Newtown one week later

(NBC) - One week after the chaos at Sandy Hook Elementary School, there was quiet Friday morning as millions across the country paused to remember.

The silence slowly gave way to church bells chiming 26 times to honor the victims of the attack.

As Newtown continues to bury their teachers and children millions who mourn with them are also demanding change.

Following the shooting, more people than ever before logged-on the the White House website "we the people," to sign a petition urging President Obama to "immediately address the issue of gun control".

He responded today in this video posted to YouTube, saying "I will do everything in the power as President to advance these efforts, because even if there is one thing to do as a country to protect our children, we have a responsibility to try."

Friday also marked the first time since the tragedy the National Rifle Association defined publicly it's position in the growing debate over guns.

Wayne LaPierre, the head of the organization, blamed the media for a culture of violence, adding that "the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

"I call on Congress today to act immediately to appropriate whatever is necessary to put armed police officers in every single school in this nation," LaPierre went on to say.